Godfather of Climate Science Denounces Trump’s Plan to Shutter NASA Lab Above Seinfeld Diner

A Historic Lab at the Heart of Climate Science

Nasa’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (Giss), a small research laboratory above a New York City diner, has played a pivotal role in shaping humanity’s understanding of climate change and space exploration. Located in a building owned by Columbia University on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the lab has been a cornerstone of scientific innovation since 1966.

Shut Down by the Trump Administration

Now, the lab is set to be closed by the Trump administration, with its lease set to expire on May 31. The decision has sparked outrage among scientists, who argue that the move undermines decades of critical climate research. Nasa’s Earth science budget is expected to be slashed in half, a move that could have far-reaching consequences for climate monitoring and space exploration.

The Lab’s Legacy of Scientific Achievement

Since its founding, Giss has been instrumental in advancing climate science. It was home to Nobel laureate Dr. James Hansen, a pioneer in climate modeling. The lab’s first climate model, running on an IBM computer in the 1970s, was one of the fastest computers in the world and helped predict global heating. The lab has also contributed to missions to Venus and Jupiter, mapped the Milky Way, and provided early warnings about climate change.

Dr. James Hansen Condemns the Decision

Dr. James Hansen, known as the godfather of climate science, has called the shutdown “crazy.” He has been critical of the Trump administration’s approach to climate science, having previously warned of a climate crisis in 1988. Hansen, who now lives above the diner, said the lab’s closure is a significant setback for science. He noted that the lab’s independence and unique culture have been key to its success, and that the move could lead to the loss of valuable knowledge.

The Diner and the Lab: A Unique Setting

The diner, Tom’s Restaurant, has become a cultural landmark, appearing on the TV show Seinfeld and inspiring the song “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega. The lab’s location above the diner has become a symbol of the lab’s unique identity. Despite the closure, the diner remains a popular spot for tourists and students, though the lab’s staff has grown fewer in recent years.

Scientists Express Concerns About the Future

Scientists at Giss have expressed concerns about the future of the lab. The closure could lead to the loss of valuable research and expertise. Dr. Gavin Schmidt, the current director of Giss, said the lab’s unique culture and autonomy have been key to its success. He noted that the lab has a long history of public service and that the closure is a significant blow to the scientific community.

The Broader Implications of the Closure

The closure of Giss is part of a broader trend of political decisions that have targeted climate science. The Trump administration has been critical of climate science, calling it a “giant hoax.” The decision to close the lab is seen as a challenge to the scientific community and a potential threat to climate research. Scientists argue that the lab’s closure is a move that could have long-term consequences for climate science and public understanding of climate change.

A Future in Uncertain Times

As the lab prepares for its closure, scientists and staff are grappling with the uncertainty of the future. The lab’s work will continue in a different form, but the loss of the physical space is a significant setback. Dr. Kate Marvel, a climate scientist at Giss, said the lab’s closure is disruptive but doable. However, she noted that the loss of the lab’s unique culture and autonomy could have long-term consequences for the scientific community.

A Symbol of Resilience and Innovation

The lab’s closure is a symbol of the challenges faced by climate science in the face of political decisions. The lab’s history of innovation and public service is a testament to the importance of scientific research. The closure of Giss is a significant event in the history of climate science, and the impact of the decision will be felt for years to come.